Week 7
Philippians 1:3-5 “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now.”
One of the devil’s goals in destroying the work of the gospel in this world is attempting to destroy the people who proclaim and support the work of the gospel in this world. And one of the ways the devil seeks to destroy gospel people is by destroying relationships between Christians that in effect has negative impact on the gospel and gospel ministries in this world.
Rarely does anyone consider the consequences of their actions and words when they act and speak. Christians criticizing other Christians is destructive and unedifying. Seldom do these criticizers consider their negative impact on the church and its gospel ministry when tearing down other Christians.
Paul in our text shows how precious, sweet, and blessed gospel relationships are. He remembers the Philippian Christians and does so with joy and fondness. He prays for them regularly, as they are on his heart and mind. His deepest joy and gratitude is for their participation (literally, fellowship) in the gospel.
Gospel ministry is not a solo event. Christians cooperate and work together in love and common cause for the sake of the gospel. We join hands and hearts to lift up Christ and proclaim the gospel of free sovereign grace. The fellowship that results from this gives a sweet aroma to all who observe and bear witness to the power of love and grace in such relationships. We Christians may have different backgrounds, we may feel differently about secondary and tertiary issues, but together we are in Christ. Our core convictions, and our united vision of the Lordship of Christ and His calling on the church drives us forward with strength, courage, and love.
Sadly, there are Christians who refuse to join hands with other Christians in the church. These do not invest themselves in the fellowship of the faith. Rather, they would prefer to be alone-Christians who seem to believe that they do not need to participate in gospel ministry with other Christians. There are still other Christians who live with such criticism and judgmentalism that all they apparently want to do is tear down others “for Christ’s sake.” This is not the work of the Spirit of God who unites us in the cause and call of Christ. Christ will not build His church by destroying faithful Christians who work diligently and faithfully for the sake of the gospel. Destroying people is a devil’s job!
Today, let’s make commitment in our hearts to love other Christians for Jesus’ sake. Let’s commit ourselves also to joining with the church to help protect and spread the gospel in our lifetime.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help me today to do what I can for Christ. And help me to love my brothers and sisters in Christ for Your sake and the sake of the gospel. Amen.